US7832956B2 - Dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental apparatus for cleansing and stain preventing on-the-go is provided in multiple embodiments. One embodiment allows a user to dispose the apparatus after use. Another embodiment allows a user to seal and refill the dental apparatus for repeated use. Further, packaging of various types allows a user to house the dental apparatus in multiple ways.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to dental cleansing and stain prevention. Specifically, the present invention is a dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus. The apparatus includes a convenient ready-to-use form of dentifrice or other similar cleansing compound. The apparatus also serves to prevent dental stains through easy transport and access to cleanser while traveling.

2. Description of the Related Art

There exist various other means by which individuals may clean their teeth. In the prior art, there are other apparatus designed for the purpose of cleansing or whitening individual's teeth. The oldest type of dental cleansing apparatus are brushes. Over time, brushes came to be used primarily in conjunction with dentifrice.

The vast majority of dental cleansing apparatus are designed for consistent home use. For example, brushes are often large enough to fit conveniently within a fully clenched hand and have bristles exposed to the open air. Similarly, conscientious purchasers of dentifrice utilize containers that are several inches in length and more than one or two inches in diameter. These large brushes and dentifrice containers serve to allow a user numerous uses before the brush is degraded to a substantial degree and before an individual need purchase additional dentifrice.

Various other means have also been created, including dental whitening fluids and application means. Individuals have long used toothpicks to remove stubborn food in an effort to quickly clean the teeth and remove stubborn unsightly remaining food parties after a meal. Various types of “mouthwash” have also been created to clean the mouth or freshen breath.

Portable dental freshening and cleansing means are desired by the public and are becoming more common. Small articles capable of cleaning or freshening the individual's breath are increasingly popular. For example, “portable” mouthwash concentrated strips have become popular among those who are concerned about dental freshness. Similarly, chewing breath-freshening gum has been popular for several years.

Gum products have also tried to capitalize on the desire to actually clean teeth on the go. Most modern chewing gum manufacturers market at least one significant line of chewing gum as “whitening” or “dental cleansing” gums. Recent television commercials include claims that chewing gum after meals reduces cavities. Other products make similar claims. While these claims may be true, cleansing the teeth with products designed specifically to clean the teeth, rather than products primarily designed to freshen breath or provide sugar as a candy are substantially more effective.

Modern society, especially working professionals and other individuals who care about their appearance and dental health, is an increasingly a mobile society. Unfortunately, the typical full-size brush and dentifrice containers are not convenient for a user to take with them when they are on-the-go. Similarly, the dental freshening products and chewing gums most often provide little or no actual cleansing of the visible front portion teeth. Instead, they freshen breath and remove excess particles from only the back, less visible portion of the teeth where the gum or product is actually chewed.

Individuals desire the ability to take dental cleaning products with them for use a single time or a few times in a convenient, small package. Individuals also desire that the products actually clean the teeth and prevent dental stains from occurring.

Some prior art inventions attempt to provide suitable portable dental cleansers. However, these inventions fail in many respects. Most prior art inventions are bulky, complicated to use or are not suited to single, disposable use that are convenient and do not require the need to visit a restroom. Some of the relevant prior art contains glass portions, unsuitable for transport in a purse or glove compartment. Other prior art provides similar functionality, but does not provide for the maintenance of the dentifrice separate from the applicator until such time as the cleanser apparatus is to be used.

For these reasons, there exists in the prior art a need for a compact, ready-to-use dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus that possibly may not contain harsh chemical whitening ingredients. There is also a need for such apparatus to maintain the dental cleanser conveniently on, and accessible or dispensable from the apparatus separately from the air and debris prior to use and to maintain the dental cleanser free of contact with outside air which may dry or evaporate or possibly contaminate the cleanser.

There is also a need for a compact, ready-to-use dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus that may be used several times. In the course of multiple uses, there may be a need to provide a means by which the brush may be cleaned on-the-go. There is further a need for the apparatus to maintain the dental cleanser and the brush separate from each other until use. In an alternative embodiment the dental cleanser, a brush cleanser and the brush are separate from each other until use. These and other needs are addressed by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus for use in maintaining the cleanliness and whiteness of teeth while an individual is on-the-go. The invention provides for a single-use disposable dental cleanser. The invention also provides a dental cleansing apparatus suitable for use on-the-go cleaning in addition to a means by which the brush used for the cleaning may itself be cleaned after use.

The present invention includes multiple embodiments. Several embodiments involve single-use brush and dental cleansing material combinations. In these embodiments, a tapered brush is provided along with a small amount of dentifrice or other suitable dental cleaning material. The tapered brush provides for a more complete cleaning process.

The brush affixed to the end of a chamber includes at least enough dental cleanser for a single use. The chamber may be emptied by squeezing the chamber. The chamber is arranged in one of a series of ways so as to be squeezed by a user. In the preferred embodiment, the dental cleanser is disposed behind a seal which is ruptured, allowing the dental cleanser to exit the chamber through or within the bristles of the brush for quick and easy use. These devices may be housed in a single plastic wrapper.

In another embodiment of the invention, the portable dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus includes a brush, a dentifrice (or other suitable dental cleaner) and a brush cleanser. There are several ways in which these elements may be combined in a single apparatus.

The brush is maintained in one chamber, the dentifrice is maintained in another and the brush cleanser is maintained in yet another. A user may open the apparatus and gain access to each in turn. First a user accesses the brush, then, with the brush, accesses the dentifrice and applies it to the brush. A user may then clean the user's teeth while on-the-go.

Once the teeth have been suitably cleaned, the user may access the brush cleanser and applies the cleanser to the brush head. The brush cleanser may act alone or in combination with a small amount of water and in some embodiments a napkin to suitably clean the brush. The user may then seal both the dentifrice and the brush cleanser compartments. The brush is now clean and prepared for on-the-go use at a later time.

The brush is then returned to its storage compartment. The brush may then be removed at a later time for use, along with the dentifrice. It may be cleaned repeatedly over the course of many uses until the dentifrice or brush cleanser is exhausted. The user may then replenish the dentifrice or brush cleanser. Alternatively, the entire unit may be disposed of and a new one may be used.

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention, both as to structure and method of the operation thereof, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be understood from the following description, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and they are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus having a transparent skirt.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows an elevation view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a cross-section view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus having an opaque skirt.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows an elevation view of a second embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment including an alternative cap.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of one embodiment including the alternative cap ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 10 shows an elevation view of the first embodiment including the alternative cap ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-section view of the first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus in use.

FIG. 12 shows the first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus in use.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a plan view of the alternative embodiment ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows an elevation view of the alternative embodiment ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the alternative embodiment ofFIG. 13 with an alternative cap.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the embodiment ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 shows a closed side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 24.

FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 24.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 24 with an additional element.

FIG. 28 shows a plan view of the embodiment ofFIG. 24 with the additional element.

FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 24 with the additional element.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 30 with the cap removed.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 33 shows one embodiment of the packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 34 shows an alternative embodiment of the packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 35 shows yet another embodiment of the packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 36 shows yet another embodiment of the packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of alternative dental cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 38 shows a plan view of the alternative dental cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 37.

FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional view of the alternative dental cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 37.

FIG. 40 shows an alternative cross-sectional view of the alternative dental cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 37.

FIG. 41 shows a cross-sectional close-up of the snapping mechanism of the apparatus ofFIG. 37

FIG. 42 shows the removal of the brush and dental cleansing mixture.

FIG. 43 shows the opening of the container for the dental cleaning mixture.

FIG. 44 shows the application of the dental cleaning mixture to the brush.

FIG. 45 shows an alternative dental cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 46 shows the alternative dental cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 45 in use.

FIG. 47 shows yet another alternative dental cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 48 shows a perspective view of yet another dental cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 49 shows a plan view of the dental cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 48.

FIG. 50 shows a cross-sectional view of the dental cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 48

FIG. 51 shows an alternative dental cleaning apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning first toFIG. 1, a perspective view of one embodiment of thedental cleansing device100 of the present invention is shown. Thedental cleansing device100 includes anenclosure102. Theenclosure102 may be of a rigid material or of a pliable material. Similarly, each of the many embodiments shown herein may be made up of rigid or pliable materials. In the preferred embodiment the enclosure is made up of a rigid plastic or rigid metal alloy. In alternative embodiments it may be made up of a very malleable plastic or alloy.

Theenclosure102 in this embodiment generally takes the cross-sectional shape of a “V.” A malleableplastic skirt104 is provided to connect one tip of the “V” with another and to thereby enclose the open area created by the “V” of theenclosure102. Theskirt104 is clear in this embodiment. As will be seen in later figures, theskirt104 may instead be translucent or opaque.

Also provided is a threadedneck106 and a multiplicity of brush-like bristles108. The threadedneck106 is used to affix acap110 when the device is not in use or has yet to be used. Thecap110 may or may not be equipped with apuncturing point112 for use in puncturing a seal provided in the base of the threadedneck106. Furthermore, thecap110 may or may not be a cap that “snaps on” or “breaks off” for use.

Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 3, a plan perspective and a side perspective of the present embodiment of the invention is shown. Also present in these figure is theenclosure102, theskirt104, the threadedneck106 and thebristles108. As can be seen, from the top, thebristles108 appear to be curved in shape (seeFIG. 2). From the side, thebristles108 taper from top to bottom (seeFIG. 3). This taper is designed such that thebristles108 may act more fully and efficiently upon the teeth of a user. Also pictured is thecap110 for use in protecting the bristles and the contents of thedevice100.

Referring now toFIGS. 4A and 4B, two cross-sectional views of thedevice100 of the present invention are shown. InFIG. 4A, theenclosure102, threadedneck106 and bristles108 are shown. In this cross sectional view, thedentifrice112 may also be seen. Also visible is aseal114, provided for the protection of thedentifrice112 when the device has not yet been used.

The term “dentifrice” is applied to the contents of these various dental cleaning apparatus and devices herein. It is to be expressly understood that “dentifrice” refers to any type of dental cleaning fluid or material. In some cases, the “dentifrice” may be contents typically known as “tooth paste.” In other cases, “dentifrice” may refer to a dental cleaning fluid or liquid formulated to clean teeth without the use of water or the gritty texture of tooth paste. In other embodiments the “dentifrice” may also be a formulated for specific purposes, such as whitening, sensitive teeth or breath freshening. In other embodiments, it may be a sugar free confectionary type product specifically formulated to freshen breath. An understanding of the term “dentifrice” should be broadening, not narrowing unless specifically indicated.

InFIG. 4A, theseal114 remains sealed, because thedevice100 has not yet been used. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the seal may be placed at the base of theneck106 instead of at the head. InFIG. 4B, the seal is shown in the open position.

In some embodiments of the present invention, theseal114 must first be broken by thepuncturing point112. In other embodiments, theseal114 may be broken through the application of force to theenclosure102 as shown inFIG. 4B. This may be provided by creating an intentional weakness in theseal114 at a point near the middle of theseal114. This will allow theseal114 to break in a pre-determined location when pressure is applied to theenclosure102.

As can be seen inFIG. 4B, the exitingdentifrice116 moves through a break in theseal114. Thisdentifrice116 is immediately present within the brush bristles108 and may then be applied to the teeth of a user. The user may then clean his or her teeth.

It may not be clear from a review ofFIGS. 1 through 4B that the present invention is intended to be disposable. Thedevice100 is of a small size, such that a portion ofdentifrice112 is provided that may be used for one to five uses, at which time thedevice100 may be thrown away.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 through 7, an alternative embodiment of the present invention having anopaque skirt122 is shown. Thedevice118 includes anenclosure120. As above, theenclosure120 may be malleable or may be rigid. Thedevice118 includes an opaque ortranslucent skirt122. Theskirt104 above was transparent. In this embodiment, the primary difference from the prior embodiment is that theskirt122 is not transparent.

In some instances, transparency may be useful for allowing a user to judge the extent to which the dentifrice product has been depleted. This may be easily ascertained by viewing the interior of thedevice100. In other embodiments, such as this one, the transparency may not be necessary and a user may determine the amount present in thedevice118 through other means. Opacity or translucency provides for a more uniform appearance of theentire device118.

Also present in thedevice118 shown inFIGS. 5 through 7 are the threadedneck124, the tapered bristles126, thecap128 and thepuncturing point130. As above, thepuncturing point130 may or may not be provided and may or may not be necessary to break aseal127.

Referring now toFIGS. 8 through 10, analternative cap132 for the device100 (or alternatively the device118) is shown. Thiscap132 provides a wide, rectangular head matching the top of theenclosure102. Thecap132 may screw or snap on. It is to be understood that thecap110 andcap128 may snap or break on and off as well as utilize threads to stay affixed to thedevices100 and118, respectively. Similarly, threads may not be provided in thenecks106 and124, respectively.

Thealternative cap132 provides a means by which thedevices100 and118 may be stored within containers (shown inFIGS. 33-36). Thealternative cap132 allows the user to more readily grasp thedevices100 and118 when they are stored within various types of containers. It also provides means by which thedevices100 and118 may be stored within a purse or other small bag and may be more easily recognized by a user searching for them amongst other items. The cap may also be shaped to aid in packaging or for novel differentiation from other products.

Referring now toFIGS. 11 and 12, thedevice100 is shown in use. As force is applied to thedevice100, for example by means of aforefinger134 andthumb136, thedentifrice138 exits thedevice100 near the bristles of thedevice100. It is to be understood that this process is also for thedevice118 and the embodiments of the present invention shown inFIGS. 13 through 32 as well.

Referring toFIG. 12, thedevice100 is then placed near theteeth140 of the user who may then apply thedentifrice138 to theteeth140 and use the bristles to brush and clean the teeth. After one or more uses, thedevice100 may then be thrown away.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 13 through 16. In this embodiment of thedevice142, theenclosure144 is tapered at one end to allow its use to be more accessible and easy for a user. Similar to previous embodiments, the exterior may be made of malleable plastic or alloys. There are a threadedneck144, tapered bristles146, acap148 and apuncturing point150.

Theneck144 includes aseal147 to maintain thedentifrice138 in a suitable state for use. It is to be understood that the threadedneck144 may be replaced with a non-threaded neck of a “snap on,” “break off” or similar type. As before, analternative cap152 may also be provided.

Referring now toFIGS. 17 through 19, yet another alternative embodiment of thedevice154 of the present invention is shown. Theenclosure156 is made of a hardened plastic in the preferred embodiment, but may be made of any similar rigid material. In alternative embodiments, theenclosure156 may be made more flexible.

In thisdevice154, there is atransparent window158. Thewindow158 is made up of a highly-flexible plastic. Thiswindow158 is the place at which a user may apply pressure in order to force the contents of thedevice154 out of thedevice154. Thetransparent window158 also allows a user to see the contents of thedevice154 for use in determining when to dispose of thedevice154.

Thisdevice160 includes astop160 and anedge162. Theedge162 is immediately adjacent to the tapered bristles164. Thecap166 fits snugly over theedge162 and abuts thestop160 to thereby cover and protect thebristles164. Thecap166 may also “snap” onto theedge162 which may include one or more ridges onto which thecap166 may be designed to fit. This embodiment may also provide for removable bristles which may be removed at the stop and replaced with new bristles to allow for multiple uses.

Referring now toFIG. 20, a cross-sectional view of thedevice154 ofFIGS. 17 through 19 is shown. As with previous embodiments, thedevice154enclosure156 is shown along with thestop160, theedge162 and thebristles164. As in previous embodiments, thebristles164 are tapered for ease of use and better access to teeth.

Within the device is contained an amount ofdentifrice168. As with prior embodiments, aseal170 is included to maintain the freshness and hydration of thedentifrice168. Theseal170 is at the head of thedevice154, just beyond theedge162. Theseal170 may be broken by pressure from thedentifrice168 as it is squeezed by a user. Theseal170 may also be broken by a sharp point, provided on thecap166 or otherwise. As with previous embodiments a puncturing point may be provided as a portion of thecap166 for this purpose.

Referring now toFIGS. 21 through 23, yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thedevice172 of this embodiment also has anenclosure174, preferably made up of a flexible plastic. There are also a threadedneck176 andtapered bristles178 to which acap180 may be affixed and cover. As with previous embodiments, thecap180 may include a puncturing point.

A cross-sectional view of thedevice172 includes thedentifrice182 and theseal184. As with previous embodiments, theseal184 may break with the pressure applied bydentifrice182 or may require puncturing prior to the dentifrice leaving theenclosure174. A puncturing point provided in thecap180 or otherwise may puncture theseal184 if necessary.

Turning now toFIGS. 24 through 26, yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, thedevice186 includes anenclosure188, aridge190 and tapered bristles192. Also included is acap194 which fits snugly over theridge190 to thereby contain and protect thebristles192. InFIG. 25, thedevice186 is shown with thecap194 attached to theenclosure188.

InFIG. 26, the device is shown in cross-section. Theenclosure188 is cut-away to show thedentifrice196 within theenclosure188. Theridge190 and the tapered bristles192 along with thecap194 are also shown in cross-section.

Also present is theseal198, as described in previous embodiments. The seal may be broken with an external device. The seal may also open upon the application of pressure upon theenclosure188. Theseal198 is designed to keep the dentifrice clean, moist and protected while the device is in transit or prior to using.

Referring now toFIGS. 27 through 29 an embodiment similar to that ofFIGS. 23 through 26 is shown. This embodiment includes one additional element that is useful in dental cleaning. Thedevice200 includes an enclosure202 aridge204, taperedbristles206 and acap208 just as the prior embodiment. However, this embodiment also includes aslider210 and a built-intoothpick212.

Theslider210 allows a user to retract and extend the tooth-pick212. In some embodiments, the slider may be provided with a number of pre-determined internal ridges designed to hold theslider210 in place such that the tooth-pick212 is extended to a particular length. For example, the tooth-pick212 may be held in place by theslider210 at positions such as completely extended and completely retracted. The tooth-pick212 may be provided to a user in this way so that a user may utilize the toothpick to clean larger debris from the user's teeth prior to cleaning the teeth using thebristles206.

InFIG. 29, the tooth-pick212 may be seen in the completely-retracted position within theenclosure202. Thedentifrice214 may also be seen along with theseal216 as shown in other embodiments. Theseal216 may be broken by external devices or by the pressure applied to theenclosure202 by a user.

Turning now toFIGS. 30 through 32, yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. InFIG. 30, thedevice218 of the present invention is shown in a closed position. Thecap222 is affixed to theenclosure220. InFIG. 31, it can be seen that theenclosure220 includes aridge224 andtapered bristles226 as in previous embodiments. Thecap222 has been removed to allow for this view.

This embodiment is generally made of a thin plastic or alloy. The tapered end of theenclosure220 allows for easier manufacture by machines. The end is simply “crimped” in order to close off each container during manufacture.

InFIG. 32, a cross-sectional view of this embodiment is shown. Theenclosure220,ridge224 andtapered bristles226 may be seen along with thecap222. As with previous embodiments thedentifrice228 is protected by aseal230. The seal serves to keep thedentifrice228 moist and protected during transit and before use.

Turning now toFIGS. 33 through 36, various containers for the safe transport, containment and sale of any of the embodiments disclosed are shown. InFIG. 33, a cigarette-carton-like container232 is shown. Thecontainer232 includes arectangular base234 and arectangular top236. The top of thecontainer232 may sit snugly over thedevices238 enclosed within. Thecontainer232 fully encloses thedevices238 within so that they may be protected from elements which may contaminate them.

Turning now toFIG. 34, asimilar container240 is shown, also include a rectangularopen base242 and aflip top244. Thebase242 is designed in such a way that it my accept a multiplicity of dental cleaning devices.FIG. 33 demonstrates that various types ofdevices246 may be enclosed within this type ofcontainer240. Multiple rows ofdevices246 may be enclosed within thecontainer240, dependent upon their size and marketing desires of the manufacturer or retailer.

Referring now toFIG. 35, anotheralternative container248 is shown. This container is split into two portions abase portion250, containing a plurality ofdevices252 and anupper portion256, connected by a cardboard orplastic backing254, also containing a plurality ofdevices258. Thebacking254 allows thedevice248 to be folded in half wherein theupper portion256, made up of three side walls and a front, and thebase portion250, also made up of three side walls and a front, may abut one another and anupper flap260 may then cover both portions to securely hold thedevice248 in a closed position.

Yet another alternative embodiment for acontainer262 is shown inFIG. 36. In this embodiment, thecontainer262 defines a break-away blister pack which is made up of a series of plastic (in the preferred embodiment) portions perforated such that they may be split into individual containers. Eachperforated portion264 contains anindentation266 suitable for the placement of one dental cleaning device. Other perforated portions, such as secondperforated portion268, also include indentations, such asindentation270, for use in storing additional dental cleaning devices.

Thecontainer262 may be enclosed with a cardboard top (not shown) which may also be perforated. Accordingly, a user may “tear off” one or more dental cleaning device, such as one enclosed within the perforatedportion264 for later use. Theseportions264 may then be opened and the dental cleaning device removed, used and, if a user so desires, disposed.

Referring now toFIGS. 37 through 44, adifferent device272 for dental cleaning and the method of it's use is shown. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the entire device is made of hardened plastic. Thisdevice272 is made up of a number of compartments. There is abrush compartment274 connected to adentifrice compartment276. Thedentifrice compartment276 includes acap278 attached to thedentifrice compartment276 by ahinge280.

Athird compartment282 is connected to thebrush compartment274 by way of acap284 also connected by ahinge286. The interaction ofhinges280 and286 in conjunction with thecaps278 and284 is seen more clearly inFIG. 43. Also visible inFIG. 38 are the two snap-tight closures288 and290 that are used to secure thedentifrice compartment276 and cleansingfluid compartment282 to theirrespective caps278 and284. It is to be understood that this embodiment may be square or rectangular in cross-section as well as the round cross-section that is depicted.

Referring now toFIGS. 39 and 40, cross-sectional views of thedevice272 can be seen. In these views thebrush compartment274, includinginner chamber275, thedentifrice compartment276 and the cleansingfluid compartment282 may all be seen. In this embodiment thedentifrice compartment276 includes a hollow chamber291 which is filed withdentifrice292. The cleansingfluid compartment282, including a secondhollow chamber283 is filled with cleansingfluid294.

Thedentifrice292 may be applied to thebrush296 for use in cleaning the teeth. The cleansingfluid294 may then be used in the absence of or in conjunction with an external water source, to wash and rinse thebrush296. InFIG. 40, analternative brush298 is shown. It is to be understood that a variety of brush types may be used.

Referring now toFIG. 41, a close-up of a portion ofFIG. 39 is shown. In this Figure thebrush compartment274 includes an inner chamber275 (seeFIG. 39), thedentifrice compartment276 and thecap278 may be seen in cross-section. Thehinge280 and snap-tight closure288 may also be seen. The snap-tight closure288 acts in such a way that a small protuberance310 (seeFIG. 43) from the exterior of thedentifrice compartment276 holds theclosure288 in place once it has been pressed over the protuberance.

In this cross-section, seals300 which encircle the entire circumference of thedentifrice compartment276 where it meets thecap278 are also shown. Theseseals300 serve to ensure that thesecond compartment276 does not leak out itsdentifrice292. Similar seals, such as seal295 (seeFIG. 39), are provided in the cleansing fluid compartment to contain the cleansingfluid294. These seals serve to keep the brush, dentifrice and dental cleaning fluid (in some embodiments) separated from the atmosphere.

FIG. 41 also shows the snap-in two-part attachment mechanism for thecap278 to thebrush compartment274. Aridge302 extends from one end of thecap278. Theridge302 is circular when viewed from above. Thisridge302 fits snugly into acorresponding groove304 in thebrush compartment274. This allows thebrush compartment274 to be combined with thedentifrice compartment274 for transport and storage.

The removal of thebrush298 from thebrush compartment274 may be seen inFIG. 42. Thebrush compartment274 is also being removed from the cleansingfluid compartment282, containing cleansingfluid294. Thetooth308 andcorresponding groove306 allow the two compartments to be transported together while also allowing for separation for use.

Referring now toFIG. 43, the separateddentifrice compartment276 is shown. In this Figure, thedentifrice292 is shown, along with thehinge280, now in a bent position for opening. Theridge302 is shown extending upwards from thecap278. Simultaneously, the snap-tight closure288 is shown, along with theprotuberance310 to which it affixes when thecap278 is closed.

A perspective view of the separateddentifrice compartment276 along with thebrush298 is shown inFIG. 44. In this Figure, thecap278 attached to thedentifrice compartment276 can be seen. A more clear depiction of the snap-tight closure288 and thecorresponding protuberance310 may also be seen. Similarly, theseal300, extending around the entire circumference of thedentifrice compartment276 top can be seen. Thebrush298 is shown in the midst of applying dentifrice to its bristles for application and use on a user's teeth. In this embodiment, the separate compartments may also be attachable to one another by way of a threaded neck and corresponding threaded compartment as seen in previous figures.

Referring now toFIGS. 45 and 46, an alternative embodiment of adental cleaning device312 is shown. Thebase314 of thedevice312 includes threecompartments316,318 and320. Thefirst compartment316 is filed withdentifrice322. Thesecond compartment318 is filed with cleansingfluid324. Thethird compartment320 includes abrush326.

Thecap328 includes corresponding compartments with seals, such asseal334 for ensuring that none liquid may exit thedevice312 once it is closed. Thecap328 includes a snap-tight closure, which corresponds to aprotuberance332. When closed thedevice312 is designed including the seals such that it is substantially air-tight. As above, it is to be expressly understood that this embodiment may take on any number of cross-sectional shapes including squares or rectangles.

Referring now toFIG. 46 specifically, thedevice312 is shown such that the depth of thechambers316,318 and320 may be seen within thebase314. Thecap328 is opened and thebrush326 is removed such that cleansingfluid324 may be applied to clean thebrush326, for example, after brushing the teeth. When closed, thecap329 includes seals, such asseal329, which maintain each compartment separate from the atmosphere.

An alternative embodiment is shown inFIG. 47. Thisdevice334 includes abase336 and alid338. Thedevice334 contains a dentifrice compartment340 a cleansingfluid compartment342 and abrush344, also contained with a compartment. In some embodiments, thedentifrice compartment340 and the cleansingfluid compartment342 may be removable. In these cases, removable portions, such asportion341 may be removed when the dentifrice has been depleted and may be replaced with anew portion341 including anew dentifrice compartment340. Both thedentifrice compartment340 and cleansingfluid compartment342 are provided with aseal346 in thelid338 of thedevice334. Theseal346 ensures that dentifrice or cleansing fluid do not escape thedevice334 into a user's purse, for example, while in transit.

In this embodiment, thecompartments340 and342 containing a dentifrice and cleansing fluid respectively, may, as an alternative, be removable and replaceable in order for the option of a variety of dentifrice flavors, and the option of omitting the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, in this alternative embodiment, the brushes are also replaceable. As a result, this embodiment could be less expensive to replace individual components. Also, this embodiment could be manufactured including a higher-quality, stylish exterior portion not intended to be replaced.

Thedevice334 may also include amirror348 for viewing one's teeth while using thebrush344. Thedevice334 is closed such that thelid338 and the base336 abut one another. In this position theseal346 covers thedentifrice compartment340 and the cleansingfluid compartment342 and keeps thebrush344 relatively contained. Theclasp350 on thelid338 snaps closed over awide protrusion352 on thebase336.

Referring now toFIGS. 48 through 50, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, thedevice354 includes alower portion356 and anupper portion358. Thedevice354 may be seen in a perspective view and a side view inFIGS. 48 and 49.

InFIG. 50, a cross-sectional view of thedevice354 is shown. In this view it can be seen that theupper portion358 is solid, while thelower portion356 is substantially hollow including ahollow cavity361. Thelower portion356 houses abrush360, attached to theupper portion358, that in the closed position is completely submerged indentifrice362 such that thebristles364 of thebrush360 are completely covered in dentifrice for use in cleaning teeth.

Theupper portion358 is affixed to thelower portion356 by means ofthreads366. In alternative embodiments, threads may not be used and instead a tooth and groove or a “snap-in” connection may be used. In any such embodiments, thedevice354 be substantially air-tight to protect thedentifrice362 and to ensure that thedevice354 does not leak when closed.

An additional embodiment is shown inFIG. 51. In thedevice368 of this embodiment, aplastic backing370 is provided with a series of indentations (As shown inFIG. 36), such asindentation372. Into these indentations, abrush374 may be placed. In this embodiment thebristles376 of this brush have been pre-treated with sufficient amounts ofdentifrice378 to allow a user to remove thebrush374 from thedevice368 and begin brushing immediately.

A user may “snap off” or “push out” one or more brushes, each contained within an indentation, such asindentation372, and covered with a cardboard or other backing. The backing is applied such that the brush is maintained in a substantially air-tight state. Thepre-treated brush374 may also be individually wrapped in any number of packages. This way thedentifrice378 does not harden or otherwise become unsuitable for use. The user may then open thesingle indentation372 and remove thebrush374 for use. Once the user has cleaned his or her teeth, thebrush374 may be disposed.

Accordingly, a dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus has been described. It is to be understood that the foregoing description has been made with respect to specific embodiments thereof for illustrative purposes only. The overall spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims, as defined in the foregoing description.

Claims (11)

1. A dental cleaning device comprising:

a pliable chamber enclosing an area sufficient for a small portion of dental cleanser; dental cleanser enclosed within said pliable chamber;

a tubular neck, affixed to one end of said pliable chamber, through which said dental cleanser may pass;

a set of bristles, extending from the exterior end of said tubular neck, for use in applying the dental cleanser;

a seal, disposed within said tubular neck, for preventing said dental cleanser from having contact with the exterior atmosphere prior to use of the dental cleaning device, said seal being breakable to enable release of at least a portion of said dental cleanser;

and, a cap, removably affixed to said tubular neck, for housing said set of bristles and for preventing said seal from breaking and releasing said dental cleanser when said cap is in place wherein said cap includes a puncturing point thereon for puncturing said seal.

2. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, wherein said dental cleanser is a tooth paste.

3. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, wherein said pliable chamber includes at least one translucent portion through which said dental cleanser is visible.

4. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, wherein said bristles are configured to be tapered for ease of use.

5. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, comprising:

a retractable toothpick enclosed within said pliable chamber; and

a means for extending and retracting said toothpick.

6. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, wherein the device is housed within disposable packaging including an open base connected to a flip top, suitable for single-device dispensation.

7. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, housed within disposable packaging comprising:

a first segment, including a first backing, three surrounding walls, and a first front, wherein said first front covers only a portion of a first device;

a second segment, including a second backing, connected to said first backing, three surrounding walls and a second front, wherein said second front abuts with said first front when said disposable packaging is closed; and

a cover flap, adapted to abut the back of said first backing when said disposable packaging is closed.

8. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, housed within a break away blister pack.

9. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, housed within a single plastic wrapper.

10. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, wherein said tubular neck is threaded.

11. The dental cleaning device ofclaim 1, wherein said dental cleanser is a dentifrice.

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